By Oratokhai Jesusemen O.
Nigerian singer Simi has shared her thoughts on the importance of men being open about their feelings, expressing her admiration for vulnerability. Speaking on a recent episode of the 90’s Baby Show, Simi revealed her belief that it is beautiful when men embrace their vulnerable side instead of bottling up their emotions.
“I find it beautiful when men cry because I am surrounded by so many men that feel like they have to be macho all the time or they have to be strong,” Simi began, highlighting the societal pressures that often compel men to appear perpetually tough and resilient. She emphasized that it’s perfectly acceptable for men to support their loved ones while also showing their emotions.
“When you see men and women go through the same kind of pain or hurt, the man says, ‘I have to be strong for my wife or for my women or kids.’ I think that’s okay, but I don’t think strength means not being vulnerable or not crying,” Simi elaborated. She argued that equating strength with emotional suppression can lead to internal struggles that might eventually surface in unexpected and potentially harmful ways.
Simi further explained, “I like it when men cry because it means that you feel safe with who you’re with, you can be vulnerable, and you can let go. That’s how I see it because as an African woman, I have seen African men be like, ‘I’m the protector, I’m the provider, I’m the warrior,’ but I feel like if it’s not coming out in your tears, it’s going somewhere. Even if it’s like a little ball inside your heart, one day you’re just going to explode.”
The singer’s insights shed light on the often-overlooked emotional burdens carried by men due to rigid societal expectations of masculinity. By advocating for emotional vulnerability, Simi is calling for a shift in how society views strength and emotional expression in men. Her message resonates with a growing movement that encourages both men and women to embrace their full range of emotions and to support one another in doing so.
